Arlene Phillips smiling
TV

Strictly star Arlene Phillips hits back following sudden axe: ‘People say they should have never fired me’

Arlene was axed from Strictly after the 2008 series

Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips has hit back after she was axed from the show.

Between 2004 and 2008, dancer and choreographer Arlene served as a judge on the hit BBC show alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, and Bruno Tonioli.

However, before the seventh series kicked off, Arlene was kicked off the show and replaced by another female judge.

Don’t miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your entertainment news

It’s important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV & Celebrity news to share with our community of loyal readers.

Arlene Phillips smiling
Arlene was axed from Strictly in 2008 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Strictly star Arlene Phillips opens up about show’s axing

In 2009, Arlene did not return to Strictly after bosses did not renew her contract. Instead, she was replaced by former Mis-Teeq star Alesha Dixon, whom Arlene had seen win the show in 2007.

Alesha remained on the show until 2011 and was later replaced by Darcey Bussell.

At the time of Arlene’s axe, the press noted that she, who at the time was 66, had been replaced by a much younger woman. Alesha was 30 when she joined the show as a judge.

However, all the male judges, who were aged between 44 and 65, kept their jobs.

In a new interview with The i Paper, Arlene reflected on the change. “’”“”

“‘”

Alesha Dixon smiling

“’”

“’”


Fabio Magnocavallo
Assistant Editor